.38 +p defense load.... whats everyone carrying?

This is a discussion on .38 +p defense load.... whats everyone carrying? within the Defensive Ammunition & Ballistics forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; Picking up a Ruger LCR on sat... been a long while since i carried a snubby.... prob gonna go with the usual 125gr JHP xtp....any ...

158 grain lead semi-wadcutters and 158 grain lead semi-wadcutters only, especially in the snubs.

Lately I've been carrying ammunition from a small batch prepared a month or so back. Seemed a little more accurate on target than the factory stuff or maybe I was just in a shooting humor when I gave it a "check-ride." Or, it could all be in my head.

158 grain lead SWC/5.1 grains Unique

2-Inch Barrel
MV: 922 fps
ME: 298 ft./lbs.
ES: 40 fps
SD: 19 fps

4-Inch Barrel
MV: 987 fps
ME: 342 ft./lbs.
ES: 67 fps
SD: 28 fps

There's also a box of Remington +P 158 grain lead semi-wadcutter hollow point loads are around here as well as Winchester's version of the same loading. The Remington version is a bit speedier and seems to have a softer lead bullet than Winchester's version.

Let's see, I have a few Hornady CD 110 gr +P, a few Winchester PDX1 130 gr +P, and five rounds of Buffalo Bore 158 gr LSWC HP +P available for carry in my LCR. These BB feel like they are pushing .357 territory.

PDX1 is what's been in my LCR since the last cleaning. I'll be snagging some Remington 38 Special +P 158 Grain (R38S12), the FBI load, if it ever becomes available for mere mortals at some time in the future.

I used to carry the Speer 135 gr. .38 +P short barrel rounds until I saw a few ballistic gel tests for the Remington Golden Saber 125 +P. I was surprised to see the Sabers expand more reliably and penetrate more deeply than the Gold Dots did. Plus the recoil is lighter, they are cheaper and more readily available. I now own a few boxes and it is what I carry in my LCR. Check it out on YouTube and make up your own mind. They are not the gun forum ammo of choice but they work well.

158 grain lead semi-wadcutters and 158 grain lead semi-wadcutters only, especially in the snubs.

Lately I've been carrying ammunition from a small batch prepared a month or so back. Seemed a little more accurate on target than the factory stuff or maybe I was just in a shooting humor when I gave it a "check-ride." Or, it could all be in my head.

158 grain lead SWC/5.1 grains Unique

2-Inch Barrel
MV: 922 fps
ME: 298 ft./lbs.
ES: 40 fps
SD: 19 fps

4-Inch Barrel
MV: 987 fps
ME: 342 ft./lbs.
ES: 67 fps
SD: 28 fps

There's also a box of Remington +P 158 grain lead semi-wadcutter hollow point loads are around here as well as Winchester's version of the same loading. The Remington version is a bit speedier and seems to have a softer lead bullet than Winchester's version.